In 2025, children laced up sports shoes they might not otherwise have had, teenagers learned trades alongside trusted mentors, and survivors of violence accessed safe community resources. All of this happened because a group of local residents chose to give together.
What began as modest annual commitments of $75 to $100 has grown into $121,705 donated to local charities across Brant over the 5 years since the founding of 100 People Who Care Brant (100PWCB), a giving circle that connects neighbours entirely online. In 2025 alone, the giving circle contributed $24,895 to local causes.
Supporting Youth Through Trades and Mentorship
In the first giving cycle, members donated $8,310 to Organized Kaos, which apprentices youth in both life and trade skills. The donation funded mentor training, essential tools, and hands-on project supplies. Since receiving the donation, Organized Kaos has onboarded 12 new mentors, a 25 percent increase.
“Thank you for caring and for putting your money where your heart is by supporting mentorship,” said Shawn Stuart, Executive Director of Organized Kaos. “Teaching life skills is just as important as teaching trade skills.”
Removing Financial Barriers to Play
Cycle 2 supported the Arnold Anderson Sport Fund with $8,050, covering sports registration fees for more than 20 children from Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations. The fund has seen a 35 percent increase in applications this year and has now helped over 5,900 children participate in organized sports.
Creating Safe Connections for Survivors
In the third cycle, $8,535 was donated to Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services to create a Community Connection Hub inside the shelter. The space will provide clients with computers, printers, and a safe environment to connect with community partners and access information. The project is expected to be completed soon.
A Milestone Year
March 2025 marked a milestone as members gathered in person for the first time to celebrate surpassing $100,000 in total donations. The event, held at Stillwaters Plate & Pour in Paris, highlighted four years of giving, community connection, and collective impact.
“Our goal is simple,” said founding member Donna Ireland. “When people come together, small contributions can create real and lasting change.”
